Print

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.5 from 84 reviews

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are delightfully soft and bursting with bright lemon flavor, perfect for a refreshing treat. Made with a blend of lemon zest and juice, they are rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, slightly crisp coating. Quick to prepare and bake, these cookies offer a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet buttery goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Coating

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then stir in the vanilla and lemon extracts to add depth of flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring an even mix for proper leavening and seasoning.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Fold in the fresh lemon zest and juice gently to infuse the dough with bright citrus notes.
  7. Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to create a sweet, slightly crisp exterior.
  8. Arrange and Flatten: Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets spaced apart, then slightly flatten each with the bottom of a glass to help them bake evenly.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft, signaling a chewy texture.
  10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For an extra lemony flavor, add additional lemon zest to the dough.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, lemon cookies, soft lemon cookies, baked lemon cookies, citrus cookies, cookie recipe